Baltimore Firefighter Killed, Four Injured in Rowhouse Blaze

Fire Intensified Rapidly upon Arrival of Firefighters; Department Previously Criticized for Handling of Sagas, Resulting in Past Fatalities

One Baltimore firefighter was killed and four others were injured battling a rapidly intensifying blaze in a rowhouse on Linden Heights Avenue. The fire quickly spread to neighboring houses upon the arrival of the firefighters.
The injured firefighters are being treated for varying degrees of burns at local hospitals. The name of the firefighter who tragically lost his life has not yet been released by the Baltimore Fire Department.
Newly appointed Fire Chief James Wallace stated that the fire appeared to rapidly grow in intensity shortly after firefighters arrived on scene. The reason for the quick intensification of the fire is currently under investigation.
No civilian injuries have been reported, and it is believed that at least one of the buildings involved was occupied at the time of the fire. Evidence of the presence of occupants is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
This incident follows growing controversy over the Baltimore Fire Department's policies and training, in particular following the firefighting incident in January 2022 that resulted in the deaths of three firefighters. This tragedy led to increased scrutiny of the department, leading to the resignation of the previous Fire Chief, Niles Ford.